The 2019 Ravens, by the numbers
The Patriots head to Baltimore on Sunday night to face the Ravens. Here’s an early look at the opponent with some key statistics to know.
Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images)
Dan Kubus/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Ravens present easily the biggest test of the season for the Patriots, in terms of both personnel and coaching. John Harbaugh may be the NFL's only hope of a head coach giving Bill Belichick a real challenge on the sidelines. Baltimore also boasts high-end talent on both sides of the football.
Here are some numbers, stats, and figures to know ahead of Sunday Night Football to help you learn more about the 2019 Ravens and the kinds of challenges they can give the Patriots.
7
The Ravens' total giveaways in 2019, which ties them for the fourth-fewest in the league. It's one less than the Patriots, who are tied for seventh with seven total giveaways.
2
Baltimore's lost fumbles, tied for the third-fewest in the league. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has actually fumbled four times this season, but lost the ball to the opponent only once. They're a well-coached team that generally does a good job minimizing damage.
3
The Ravens' number of false start penalties, tied for the fewest in the NFL. They have a very talented and experienced offensive line, where left tackle Ronnie Stanley and right guard Marshall Yanda have been two of the best at their positions for several years. This group doesn't beat itself.
7
Roughing the passer flags called on the Ravens, the most in the NFL. At 5-2, that means they average one per game. Tom Brady could find himself under pressure a lot against the Ravens' tough defensive front coming at their depleted offensive line. But if he can avoid hard hits with the potential for injury, he may be able to benefit from an overzealous pass rusher making too much contact.
8
Fourth-down conversions, the most in the NFL. They also lead the league in attempts with 11 and conversion rate at 72.7 percent. Harbaugh knows he can't be too conservative against Belichick. So you can expect more aggressive decision-making and some pivotal fourth-down plays on Sunday night.
53
Total penalties against the Ravens, tied for the 12th-fewest in the NFL. But besides 13 offensive holding penalties, which have gone up for every team, the offense has committed only six penalties on the season, per data from NFLPenalties.com. Their most-penalized positional group has been their defensive backs with 17 flags. So don't be surprised if Tom Brady chucks one deep and a pass interference call goes his way.
1,429
Total rushing yards by the Ravens, most in the NFL. They may very well have the best offensive line in football and Mark Ingram remains one of the better power runners in the game. After Nick Chubb gashed the Pats for 131 yards last Sunday, the team will have to bounce back against the most productive ground attack in the league.
83.0
Opposing passer rating against the Ravens, sixth-best in the NFL. In their past three games opposing quarterbacks have averaged 217 yards with just two total passing touchdowns. Top MVP candidate Russell Wilson had just a 65.2 passer rating against the Ravens at home last week.
10.6
Yards per punt return for the Ravens, who are fielding a familiar name in Cyrus Jones at punt returner. Special teams ace Justin Bethel may have arrived just in time for the Patriots, who certainly won't want their former second-round pick to come back to haunt them.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
